Chapter 123
Griffin only spoke after seeing Felicity give him a barely perceptible nod, signaling that she had said everything she needed 10. “Alright, enough of this. Since we’re all set, let’s get going. No need to keep Howard and Mrs. Baker waiting”
Chloe’s face turned crimson, making her delicate features appear even more enchanting under the refined touch of her makeup
never came to my parties before… I always thought they didn’t really he spoke. “Ethan, Mr. Baker and Mrs. Baker
She lowered her gaze for a fleeting moment, a hint of anxiety surfacing as
like me. I’m just… I’m worried.
“What if… What if your mom really minds that I grew up in a poor neighborhood? What am I supposed to do then?”
Her voice wavered ever so slightly, carrying an almost imperceptible sob. She lifted her head slightly, her eyes, reddened with emotion, locking onto Ethan’s with unwavering dependence and overflowing affection.
Ethan’s eyes flickered. His broad palm, resting on her smooth shoulder, gave a reassuring squeeze. “Relax. The fact that my parents invited Mr. and Mrs. Stewart to dinner tonight shows they don’t have any issues with you. Just be yourself; that’s all you need to do.”
Chloe, full of admiration and trust, nodded at Ethan with conviction.
Griffin and Felicity exchanged a glance. Griffin let out a slow breath, realizing that Chloe was smart.
By the time Tristan pulled up at Raffle Hotel, Sophia could already see them through the car window, a group of flamboyant, impossible–to–miss individuals gathered right outside.
Sherry stood at the forefront, wrapped in a fiery red dress that radiated confidence and allure.
Behind her, Zach and six other friends stood in anticipation, scanning the road. The group, with their striking looks and effortless charm, made for an eye–catching scene,
Even in a place like this, where wealth and status were the norm, they still managed to draw attention.
Some passersby recognized them, whispering amongst themselves, curious about who could possibly have these wildly influential heirs waiting so obediently at the entrance.
Sophia pressed a hand to her forehead helplessly. They really don’t know to keep a low key. Everyone is attracted now,’ she wondered.
“They’re here!” Even through the closed window, she could hear Zach’s excited shriek.
Sherry glanced over. “Where?”
“That one!” Zach jabbed a finger toward Tristan’s car, practically bouncing with excitement. “This car! There’s only one in the entire world! I begged my dad for months, and he still couldn’t get it. Other than Mr. Yeats, I don’t know who else could’ve snatched it right out of my hands.”
Sherry rolled her eyes. “You may be a big deal in Virelia, but Perino is so vast. There are plenty of people who outrank you.”
Zach smirked. “Wanna bet? I say that’s Mr. Yeats‘ car. Do you dare to put money on it?”
Before Sherry could even respond, Tristan had already pulled the car to a stop.
Under Zach’s eager, expectant gaze, the door to the one–of–a–kind Maybach swung open, and Tristan stepped out, dressed in impeccably tailored formalwear.
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Zach instantly applauded and winked at Sherry. “See? It’s Mr. Yeats! You lost!”
Sherry rolled her eyes in annoyance. “I didn’t agree to bet with you.”
The golden sunlight cascaded over his sharp, refined features, enhancing his air of effortless nobility.
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He lifted his gaze slightly, his thin lips curling into the faintest of smirks as he looked toward the group waiting outside the
hotel.
The sunlight bathed him in a warm glow, making him seem almost otherworldly.
The sight left Zach and the others utterly speechless, their jaws practically hitting the floor.
With long, unhurried strides, Tristan moved to the passenger side, opened the door, and reached in to take Sophia’s hand.
The moment Sophia stepped out. “Oh, my god! Sofi!” Sherry practically sprang forward, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she bolted straight toward Sophia. “You’re wearing a dress!”
It had been quite a while since Sherry had seen Sophia in a dress. In her memory, Sophia always wore that same hoodie, as though it had been the only outfit she’d ever owned for centuries.
Sophia was naturally beautiful, and no matter what she wore, her beauty remained unchanged. But when she wore a dress, she looked even more stunning.
Sherry completely ignored Tristan and, without hesitation, wrapped her arm around Sophia’s shoulder. She pulled out her phone and, pressing it close to Sophia, snapped a picture.
“The red and purple look so good together. No wonder we’re such good friends. Our outfits are a perfect match, Sherry thought to herself.
Tristan, who had been pushed aside, cast a cool glance in Sherry’s direction. His lips curved slightly, and his expression, as well as his tone, remained just as composed and serene as the last time they had met.
Although they weren’t exactly close, Tristan didn’t keep his distance from Sherry, especially because she was Sophia’s friend.
Tve heard that Mr. Hayes has been working himself to the bone recently over Ms. Hayes‘ future marriage, Tristan remarked with a smile. “I happen to know a few people who might be a good fit for you. Ms. Hayes, perhaps I should introduce them to Mr. Hayes?”
What Tristan meant wasn’t an introduction to Sherry, but rather an introduction of Sherry’s father to potential suitors.
Sherry, still grinning ear to ear as she cozied up to Sophia, froze. Her smile instantly faltered, and she shot Tristan a deathly glare. Her eyes, cold and filled with contempt, could have cut through glass.
But Tristan, with his cold and handsome face, simply raised the corners of his lips. His eyes remained calm, unflustered by Sherry’s hostility. There was no arrogance or coldness in his demeanor.
He sounded as if he was concerned for Sherry.
Concerned for me, my foot. This is clearly a threat, Sherry thought to herself. He’s the head of the Yeats family, for goodness‘ sake. A person like him could shake the entire city of Virelia just by walking through it. If he personally introduced a suitor to my dad, there’s no way my father would refuse.
And with Sophia by his side, Tristan’s introduction would surely mean the suitor was truly elite.
Sherry feared that escaping a forced marriage might become impossible. So sneaky. So devious. Poor Sofi! How could she ever outsmart such a cunning old fox? she wondered as she felt a pang of sympathy for her best friend.
Sherry clenched her teeth in frustration, but despite her anger, she slowly loosened her grip on Sophia’s shoulder.
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With Sophia’s support, Sherry was no longer afraid to shoot Tristan a menacing glance. She flashed a crooked smile that barely concealed her anger.
“Thanks so much for your concern. Mr. Yeats, she said with a forced politeness.
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Just wait. I’ll show him what it means to mess with a best friend. I am the absolute best friend of Sofi. If you want to win her over, get married, and live happily ever after, you’ll have a long road ahead of you. Actually, scratch that! I’ll never let you two get married, Sherry thought with determination.
Fuming, she turned and stormed toward Zach and his group. “Let’s go. Since we’ve picked them up, let’s head inside.”
The group followed Sherry into the Raffle Hotel in a whirlwind.
Sophia, watching Sherry’s angry retreating figure, nudged Tristan with her elbow, “Why did you scare her like that? You know how much she hates blind dates, and yet you bring it up in front of her?”
Tristan tossed the car keys to the valet and, hearing Sophia’s words, couldn’t help but smile. “Since you’re such good friends, and now that you’re no longer single, it’s high time for her to be set up, too. I’m just looking out for her.”
Sophia’s face flushed slightly, and she shot him a sharp look.
‘Set up? You’re still just an intern, and you’re already showing off, she thought, irritated.
She quickened her pace and caught up to Sherry. Before they arrived, Sophia had already coordinated with the hotel’s
manager.
As soon as they entered the hotel, the general manager, Asher, was there to greet them. He led the group respectfully through the VIP entrance.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the hotel, Howard and Gloria, dressed in their striking formalwear, were being guided to their reserved private room by a tall, elegant hostess.
Gloria, in her extravagant dress, with perfectly done makeup and a proud expression, surveyed the lavish surroundings of the Raffle Hotel with a critical eye.
She frowned slightly, muttering under her breath. “It’s just a meal with the Stewart Family; is it really necessary to choose such a fancy place?”
Raffle Hotel was one of the top luxury hotels in Virelia, and only the most influential people could dine here; wealth alone wasn’t enough to get in.
The guests at this establishment were worth no less than 3 million dollars.
Gloria couldn’t help but feel a pinch in her heart when she thought about how much it had cost to invite Griffin and Felicity to dinner.
Howard’s expression was stern, exuding the authority of someone in power, and he coldly reprimanded her. “Stop being so petty. You think you’re still the high–and–mighty lady you once were? The Baker Family now depends on Chloe and Miss Roscente to help pave the way
He made no effort to lower his voice for the servant leading them. Raffle Hotel was known for its high level of privacy, and its staff had been carefully selected and trained to know what to hear and what to ignore.
Howard’s eyes darkened as he spoke in a cold, commanding tone. “Regardless of what you think about Chloe, keep it to yourself this time. When you see her later, don’t show that expression of yours. Be polite. Got it?”
Gloria, unwilling and dissatisfied, pouted, her perfectly made–up face scrunching in displeasure.
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Lower my head to the Stewart Family? To please them? How could I lose face like that? Gloria thought. Even if Chloe hu Stewart blood in her veins, even if she’s their true daughter, what does that matter?
She grew up in some poor, backward place. She’s nothing but a commoner, probably even done shumeful things just to
survive.
Ethan came from a prestigious family and was so outstanding. Chloe didn’t deserve him.
The marriage was only happening because of Ethan’s feelings and because of the engagement between their families. If they were to break off the engagement, they’d be the ones in the wrong and would have to compensate.
A woman from a poor area didn’t deserve the kind of compensation the Baker Family would have to offer. Naturally, Gloria was unwilling to part with the idea of the compensation.
But she never imagined that one day, she, the wife of the head of the Baker Group, would have to lower herself to please this woman from a poor background.
“What’s the matter with you?” Howard snorted coldly. “If you’re upset, blame your son for causing all this trouble. Of all people, he had to offend the Roscente Family”
He paused, his teeth grinding together. “And the Yeats family.”
Gloria opened her mouth but couldn’t retort. She was forced to lower her head in silent displeasure.
They didn’t quite understand why the Roscente Family had suddenly set their sights on the Baker Family.
But Gloria knew full well that it had all started because of Ethan.
At this point, they had no other choice. They had to rely on Chloe and Xandra’s relationship to have Xandra plead with the Roscente Family on the Baker Family’s behalf.
Xandra was the only daughter of the Roscente Family and was adored by the entire family. Her words carried weight, and the Roscente Family would certainly listen. This was the only way to save the Baker Family.
“I understand, Gloria said, her tone impatient. “I’ll treat Chloe like my own daughter. Just as she spoke, her footsteps halted suddenly.
Her finely shaped eyebrows furrowed as she stared off into the distance. “Sophia?”
Howard frowned in irritation. “What Sophia”
Gloria narrowed her eyes and pointed toward a corner not far from them. “I think I just saw Sophia.”
Though it had been only a brief glimpse, Gloria felt a sense of familiarity with the figure she saw. It looked very much like Sophia.
Howard seemed to think for a moment before recalling who Sophia was. He frowned. “Didn’t she go back to her biological family after switching with Chloe? How could she be here?”
To Howard, the difference between Sophia and Chloe was clear one had no value, and the other did.
“That’s the VIP passage of Raffle Hotel,” Howard continued. “Even I haven’t been able to get in there. How could Sophia be in that area?” He shifted his gaze away and frowned. “Let’s go.”
Gloria cast one last glance at the VIP passage and reluctantly agreed.
Sophia had come from a poor area, and now that she had returned to it, she had no means or qualifications to enter prestigious place like Ratlle Hotel.
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Gloria convinced herself that she had simply mistaken someone else for Sophia.
Asher led the group through the VIP passage, taking them straight to the exclusive third–floor private room, an area of Raffle Hotel that was never open to the public.
Zach and the others pushed the door open without hesitation, scanning the space with wide eyes, their awe evident.
“Hey, so this is the legendary top–tier private room on the third floor of Raffle Hotel? This is my first time stepping foot up here in my entire life!”
“Forget the third floor; I only just got to experience this so–called VIP passage today?”
“As expected of Miss St So amazing!
“I swear my loyalty to Miss S till the day 1 dic!”
Sophia rolled her eyes at their exaggerated expressions and playful banter, seeing right through their nonsense.
The guys were all heirs to Virelia’s most powerful families; there was no way this was the first time they had seen something this extravagant.
Not bothering to entertain their jokes, she simply waved Asher over. The general manager, Asher, immediately stepped forward. “Ms. Roscente, is there anything you need?”
He had only received the news yesterday, a sudden change in ownership for this elite hotel, a flagship under the Roscente Group
The new owner was still a member of the Roscente Family. As Asher stood before this strikingly beautiful young woman, his heart skipped a beat.
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